Derrick Mason, American football player

Derrick Mason: A Distinguished NFL Wide Receiver Career

Derrick James Mason, born on January 17, 1974, is an acclaimed American former professional football player who left an indelible mark as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). His remarkable career spanned fifteen seasons, a testament to his exceptional durability, skill, and consistent performance at the elite level of professional sports. As a wide receiver, Mason played a pivotal offensive role, specializing in catching passes from the quarterback, executing precise routes, and gaining crucial yardage for his teams.

Early Career Foundations with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans

Mason’s journey to the NFL commenced after a highly productive collegiate career playing for the Michigan State Spartans, where he developed the foundational skills that would propel his professional success. He was subsequently selected by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. A fourth-round selection often indicates a player with significant potential who may require further development, making Mason's sustained excellence throughout his career even more notable. The Oilers franchise, which had recently relocated from Houston, Texas, to Tennessee, underwent a significant organizational transformation and was officially renamed the Tennessee Titans in 1999.

During his eight seasons with the Oilers and then the Titans (1997-2004), Mason quickly established himself as a reliable and dynamic offensive threat. His outstanding play during this period earned him two prestigious Pro Bowl selections, first in 2000 and again in 2003. Pro Bowl recognition is a significant honor, highlighting a player's status as one of the league's top performers at their position, voted by players, coaches, and fans alike.

Franchise Icon: Impactful Years with the Baltimore Ravens

In 2005, Derrick Mason embarked on a new and highly impactful chapter of his career by signing as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. This strategic move proved mutually beneficial, as Mason quickly became a cornerstone of the Ravens' offense. Over his six seasons in Baltimore (2005-2010), he cemented his legacy as a franchise icon. During this tenure, Mason achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming the Ravens' all-time leading receiver, accumulating an impressive 5,777 receiving yards. This accomplishment underscores his pivotal role in the Ravens' offensive success and his consistent ability to produce elite statistics within an offense often renowned for its robust, physical style of play.

Later Career and a Unique NFL Historical Footnote

Mason continued his professional journey, contributing his veteran leadership and experience to two different teams in 2011: the New York Jets and the Houston Texans. These later career stints marked the twilight of his distinguished playing days.

A truly unique historical distinction accompanies Derrick Mason’s career: he holds the singular honor of being the last active NFL player to have played for the original Tennessee Oilers. This fact links him directly to a specific and transitional period in NFL history, bridging the legacy of an iconic franchise's early iteration with its modern identity as the Tennessee Titans.

Retirement as a Baltimore Raven

Derrick Mason officially announced his retirement from professional football on June 11, 2012. In a gesture reflecting his deep connection and profound impact on the team where he achieved much of his later career success, he chose to retire as a Baltimore Raven, solidifying his enduring bond with the franchise and its passionate fanbase.

Key Takeaways from Derrick Mason's NFL Career

Derrick Mason's remarkable NFL career is a testament to his exceptional longevity, adaptability, and unwavering consistency as an elite wide receiver. His influence extended beyond mere statistics, providing invaluable leadership and a reliable presence on every team he represented, particularly with the Titans and Ravens, where he etched his name into their respective record books. He remains a prime example of a player who maximized his potential through dedication and perseverance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Derrick Mason

What position did Derrick Mason play in the NFL?

Derrick Mason played wide receiver, a crucial offensive position responsible for catching passes, running routes, and gaining yardage for his team.

How many seasons did Derrick Mason play in the National Football League?

Derrick Mason played for an impressive fifteen seasons in the National Football League, showcasing remarkable durability and sustained performance.

Which NFL teams did Derrick Mason play for during his career?

He played for the Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1997-2004), the Baltimore Ravens (2005-2010), the New York Jets (2011), and the Houston Texans (2011).

What was Derrick Mason's significant achievement with the Baltimore Ravens?

During his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Mason became the franchise's all-time leading receiver, accumulating 5,777 receiving yards.

What unique historical fact is associated with Derrick Mason's NFL career?

Derrick Mason holds the distinction of being the last active player in the NFL who had played for the original Tennessee Oilers before their renaming to the Tennessee Titans in 1999.